Player Development and Coaching Structure

The Academy is supported by the North and South Ceredigion Junior Leagues and their respective coaching centres.

The Junior Leagues coaching centres represent the first stage of development of young players in the county.

Young players will normally enter the Academy during the first year of secondary school through recommendation by the Junior Leagues or the recommendation of Junior League Club managers or coaches. Indeed if you are a young player wishing to enter the Academy you should ask your Junior League Club manager to recommend you for a trial.

Players normally enter the Academy on a six week trial, though we can shorten that period if it appears appropriate.

The Academy operates three groups, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16. The Academy seeks up to 18 players including 2 goalkeepers at each age group. The Academy can also accommodate up to 2 trialists in the Under 14 and Under 16 groups.

Training is on a Wednesday evening at the UWA Astroturf. Each coaching session lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Coaching is delivered by qualified, designated age group coaches. The Academy also plays regular fixtures against other Academies.

Aberystwyth Town Football Club promotes the development of young players. The best young Academy players make the transition to adult football through the clubs teams in the Cambrian Tyres League and the Spar Mid Wales League. The best young players are retained to the age of 19 and compete as a Youth Team in the FAW Youth Cup. Coaching is provided by the C and B Licence qualified Reserve team coaches for 2 hours each Tuesday evening on the Club’s Park Avenue pitch and Astroturf.

Upon attaining 19 a decision is made whether to release or retain the player for progression to the first team.